Preparing for a Journey

Having a broken foot means you have a lot of time to sit. And I’ve had just that. I’ve gone through a lot of old photos and began writing a novel and am half way along with a rough draft.  I’ve cleaned my house, several times, much to the amazement of those around me and sorted through a lot of belongings and gotten rid of them, including an old truck.

Now,  going through a lot of old photographs from backpacking trips over the last few years, some of which have included a dear friend of mine, I find time to reflect on Jamie. We intersected when I was doing the John Muir trail a few years ago and she was doing the Pacific Crest Trail. We leap frogged for a few days and met up at Vermillion Valley Resort, and subsequently hiked a few more days together until parting ways. We quickly became friends and hiking partners. We have done Tahoe to Yosemite together and a couple years ago we did the High Sierra Trail together.

 Even though we hike at totally different speeds, we always met up at the end and enjoy camp together,We compare photographs and trail notes, sharing stories of the people we met, things we saw, and some of the things we didn’t see along with a hearty meal.

We are preparing for yet another adventure. Kings Canyon National Park to launch in a few weeks, my foot still in recovery, definately will be moving a lot slower than usual which is okay. Jamie thinks I’ll still beat her to camp, Its doubtful and it’s okay.  This is not a race. Jamie is flying in from out of state to do this and we are sure to have a grand time together. Going through my gear contemplating what to take and what not to take, I want this to be one of the lightest trips I’ve done. It needs to be. I will be slow moving with the injured foot and looking forward to every minute of it. Cant wait to share another journey with her.

 I purchased a new pair of light weight ankle high boots for this trip because my doctor wants my ankle protected from rolling over and causing further injury to my fifth metatarsal. the selection was the Keen Logan mid-WP boot at REI yesterday and had to order it in my size. It was on sale for $127. A complete review of this boot will be posted when I return. Usually I backpack in Salomon trail runners, however, that’s not going to be sufficient for this trip. There will also be a review of two separate pair of Asics trail running shoes that I have been wearing nonstop since came out of my walking cast. I have become quite fond of each model for different reasons and look forward to being able to actually run in them.

Counting down to another epic Journey, the days can’t pass fast enough.